Being Thankful!

I really enjoy the ability and opportunity to share things with friends and family via my blog. While contemplating the content of my post for today, I started thinking about basic things that enhance my life and make it better. I could never list or write about them all, but I feel truly blessed with my life - my family, my friends, my dog. I could go on and on. I appreciate the love that surrounds me. I'm always reminded of a prayer that I say often, and I'd like to share it with you. The first time I read it, I was brought to tears. I hope you are touched by it as well, whether you know it well or are being exposed to it for the first time. It's by St. Francis of Assisi, who was the patron saint of animals (no wonder why I have an affinity for him!).

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen